STORY PHOTOS Ouellette

Kathy Ouellette, moderator of Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ, was named "Florida UCC Laywoman of 2006" at the Florida UCC Women's Conference in Orlando last weekend.

Second place winner was Carolyn Furlong from Miami Lakes Congregational United Church of Christ, and third place went to Shirley Morse from North Port Community United Church of Christ.Ouellette joined Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ on Nov. 19, 1997, transferring her membership from her UCC home church in Pennsylvania. She was delighted to be able to maintain membership in a United Church of Christ congregation once she made the move to Florida. Ouellette has served in many capacities in the local church -- clerk, soloist, liturgist, chair of the holiday bazaar and Church World Service projects, a member of the Christian education committee, the mission and vision team, the pastoral search committee, and has served as the moderator since 2004.

As Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ moved through many challenges and changes in recent years, "Kathy's faith remained strong, and her spiritual insights remained sound," says the Rev. Bonnie Lipton, pastor. "She always put the common good of the congregation first. Clearly, much that is happening in this revitalized church today is the direct result of Kathy's leadership at Pilgrim Church and her belief in the work of the United Church of Christ throughout the world."

Ouellette states that she believes strongly in the mission of Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ, "... to grow with God's love and to carry on the ministry of Jesus. We welcome all people to join us on this journey!"

She is also a leading advocate of the congregation's vision to be a motivating, affirming and unifying force to bring about equality, peace and justice for all people.

Ouellette is employed by T-Check Systems in Ormond and resides in Palm Coast with her husband, Donald.